Blackhawks to honor Chris Chelios tonight, prior to game against Red Wings

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks will honor Chris Chelios during Heritage Night tonight at the United Center, during a pregame ceremony prior to playing the Detroit Red Wings (8:30, FSD).

Chelios, a Chicago native, spent nine of his 26 NHL seasons with the Blackhawks before being traded to the Red Wings in 1999. Chelios will make a speech and drop the puck for the ceremonial faceoffs.

His former Red Wings teammates taped a photo of Chelios in a Blackhawks uniform and signed it for him. The most humorous remark, written on a napkin, came from Jiri Hudler, who wrote: "It was great to play with someone who is older than my dad.''

The Blackhawks are missing star forwards Patrick Kane (ankle) and Marian Hossa (lower-body injury). Hossa, injured two weeks ago during a collision in practice with Nick Boynton, skated with the team Friday for the first time since getting hurt. Both players hope to return Sunday, or shortly after.

Corey Crawford is starting in net for Chicago. He has assumed the No. 1 job from an ineffective Marty Turco.